Rideshare services are undergoing changes as technology and artificial intelligence continue to advance. Now, autonomous vehicles are a reality, with more rideshare companies, such as Uber and Lyft, testing them and gradually introducing them to the market. But the rise of the autonomous rideshare services raises a new set of legal challenges. For instance, after an accident occurs, who is responsible? Is it:
- The human operator.
- The rideshare company.
- The vehicle manufacturer.
- The software developer.
If you have been involved in an autonomous rideshare accident, you may be experiencing physical injuries, emotional suffering, unexpected expenses, and now have complex concerns about liability.
A Manhattan personal injury attorney can assist you in deciding the action to take and the available legal options to explore. The following section explores the changes experienced in autonomous and rideshare services, the liability challenges, and actions to take to protect your rights and receive the compensation you deserve.
Who is Liable in Autonomous Vehicle Accidents?
When a typical car accident occurs, the driver is often held liable for failing to protect others on the road. However, if an autonomous car gets into an accident, who is held accountable? In such situations, a product liability claim can be brought against the manufacturer and any parties associated with the operating software.
If it occurs while using rideshare services, you can open a claim of negligence against Uber, Lyft, or those responsible for operating the autonomous vehicle. To determine liability, the primary task is deciding who is at fault for the accident. Is it:
- The automobile manufacturer that may have failed to perform proper testing procedures.
- The software developer who did not screen for algorithm weaknesses, failed to account for certain scenarios, or didn’t perform adequate testing.
- Sensor or component suppliers who violated contracts with manufacturers and supplied substandard equipment.
- Vehicle operators who failed to maintain the vehicle or overrode a system’s safeguards.
- Third parties, who may be at fault, including pedestrians, other drivers, road maintenance officials, and hackers.
As Manhattan continues to experience a rise in autonomous vehicle accidents, KGH Law Group has invested in mastering the liability framework for autonomous and rideshare accidents, helping clients receive the compensation they deserve.
Insurance Gaps and Coverage Challenges
An industry report from KPMG predicts that autonomous vehicles could reduce accidents by 80% by 2040, resulting in substantially lower insurance costs. This may sound like good news, but other challenges arise for the accident victim. For instance, some insurance policies may not cover accidents caused by self-driving cars. Additionally, manufacturers may use their legal teams to deny responsibility unless you have undeniable proof of technology failure. This can leave the passengers affected without the help needed to cover their expenses.
Rideshare services have insurance, but the payout depends on what the driver was doing at the time of the incident. If they are driving without a passenger or waiting for a passenger, the coverage received may be limited or nonexistent. These insurance policies primarily cover drivers while transporting passengers.
How Technology Can Help in Accident Investigations
As rideshare companies incorporate advanced technology and AI-driven vehicles, these systems can also play a role in auto accident cases. The technology is designed to help vehicles detect their environment, make driving decisions, and respond in ways that promote safety. These technologies go beyond dashboard cameras to include:
- Sensors: These devices help the car notice what’s nearby and take precautions.
- High-tech cameras: They help capture the surrounding environment with more accuracy and finer angles.
- Onboard computers: These help the car to process all data and help decide when to brake, accelerate, or turn.
- Tracking speed: Inbuilt systems help the car keep track and record how fast it’s moving and when to adjust speed.
- Black box: This device logs all actions the car takes and can be used in investigating accidents.
Having this data at your disposal can help determine the at-fault party. However, vehicle manufacturers and rideshare companies do not easily release this information; they consider it confidential. Withholding this data makes it increasingly difficult to determine liability, which can affect the amount of compensation you receive.
Our auto accident attorneys understand how these companies operate and know which laws to use to obtain the necessary data from them. They also know how to interpret technical details and use the evidence gathered to build a strong case.
Legal and Regulatory Changes Taking Place
Manhattan courts have seen an increase in self-driven car accident cases, which has led New York to have stricter rules for autonomous vehicles. For instance, each self-driven car should obtain a permit and have a licensed human safety operator.
The state also requires each car to have $5 million in insurance coverage to address potential accidents. New York does not fully accept driverless autonomous vehicles, although Assembly Bill A3650 was introduced to legalize them. However, it has yet to become law.
The increasing number of lawsuits is slowly shaping the guidelines on which situations the manufacturer or the safety driver is held liable for an accident. Having this knowledge will help you know that you have the right to fight for what you deserve. However, keeping up with these laws can be taxing. Hiring an efficient Manhattan personal injury lawyer can ease the burden by guiding you on what steps to take to secure a favorable compensation.
Protecting the Rights of Accident Victims
Being involved in an autonomous or rideshare accident can be devastating. You probably have piling medical bills, have lost your income, or are undergoing unending psychological suffering. This experience can quickly prompt you to accept a settlement that is far less than what you deserve.
KGH Group wants to partner with you to help ease the burden of fighting for justice and your rightful compensation. Our Manhattan attorneys can help you navigate interactions with insurance companies and investigate the case to hold the responsible parties accountable.
Your recovery is our priority. While you focus on healing, our experienced legal team will handle every aspect of your case with the thoroughness and expertise it demands.
Call 212-227-2900 today to schedule a free consultation. Let us put our knowledge and resources to work securing the outcome you deserve.
